TeachersFirst's Simulation Resources
Educational simulations offer immersive learning experiences that bridge the gap between theory and practice for students across various disciplines. These resources allow students to explore, experiment, and problem-solve in risk-free settings. Science simulations enable virtual lab experiments, while historical simulations transport students to pivotal moments in time, and language simulations create authentic conversational scenarios. By providing immediate feedback and encouraging active learning, simulations help students develop critical thinking skills, improve decision-making abilities, and gain deeper insights into various topics. Simulations offer great differentiation options for students who may need extra support.

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Home on the Range - Smithsonian Science Education
Grades
K to 2tag(s): ecosystems (83), game based learning (205), habitats (92), simulations (19)
In the Classroom
Before using Home on the Range, students can participate in a matching game where they pair different plants and animals with their correct habitats (ex., cactus with desert, frog with wetland). Afterward, they test their knowledge using the simulation. Students could design a shoebox diorama or digital drawing using ABCYA Paint, reviewed here or Draw.to, reviewed here of an ecosystem featured in Home on the Range, including plants, animals, and important environmental features. Have students explain how living things interact in their chosen habitat. Challenge students to create an imaginary habitat with unique plants and animals. They must explain how living things in their ecosystem depend on each other and what conditions are necessary for survival.Light Up The Cave - Smithsonian Science Education
Grades
K to 2tag(s): experiments (55), light (56), simulations (19)
In the Classroom
Before using the simulation, place different objects (flashlight, mirror, book, glow stick, etc.) inside a covered box. Let students reach inside and predict which objects will produce or reflect light. Then, discuss their predictions before testing the items. After using Light Up the Cave, students can explore how light interacts with objects by creating shadow puppets or using flashlights to test transparent, translucent, and opaque materials. Have students record observations about which objects block, pass, or scatter light. Provide students with picture cards of objects (ex., sun, candle, mirror, window, flashlight). They can work in pairs to sort the objects into "Light Source" and "Not a Light Source" categories and then discuss their reasoning. Students can research different real-world uses of light (ex., miners' headlamps, deep-sea bioluminescent animals, emergency glow sticks) and present their findings through a poster or mini-report.Glider Guide - Smithsonian Science Education
Grades
K to 2tag(s): landforms (39), simulations (19)
In the Classroom
Before using the Glider Guide, introduce students to different landforms (mountains, valleys, lakes, and rivers). Provide them with a landform checklist and have them predict where they might see each feature. As they explore the app, they can check off the landforms they encounter. After exploring various terrains in Glider Guide, students can choose one location and create a travel brochure on paper or using a Canva, reviewed here showcasing the land and water features. They include illustrations, fun facts, and why someone should "visit" that area. Students can use clay, sand, or other materials to build 3D models of landforms they saw in the Glider Guide. Students can explain how these features were formed and present their models to the class.Sugar Simulation - Smithsonian Science Education
Grades
K to 5tag(s): experiments (55), simulations (19)
In the Classroom
Before using the Sugar Simulation, students conduct a hands-on experiment by dissolving sugar in water at different temperatures (cold, room temperature, hot). They record observations and then use the simulation to visualize what happens at the particle level. After exploring the Sugar Simulation, students can create physical models (using balls, beads, or digital drawings) to show how sugar particles interact with water molecules. They explain how temperature affects the speed of dissolving. Consider having students make 3D models on a device using CoSpaces, reviewed here or Tinkercad, reviewed here.PhET Interactive Simulations - University of Colorado
Grades
K to 12tag(s): acids and bases (8), area (53), atoms (43), charts and graphs (171), electricity (61), fractions (160), friction (9), functions (52), gravity (43), light (56), magnetism (36), matter (45), molecules (43), ph (2), probability (99), quadratics (27), simple machines (19), simulations (19), sound (72), space (222), STEM (297)
In the Classroom
Challenge students to explore a PhET simulation related to a current science topic, such as circuits, gravity, or states of matter. They can make predictions before interacting with the simulation and record their observations to compare with their initial ideas. Give students a scavenger hunt worksheet with specific challenges to complete in a simulation (ex., "Find a way to make a circuit light up" in the Circuit Construction Kit). Students design a virtual experiment using a PhET simulation. They choose a variable to change, make a hypothesis, run multiple trials, and record their results in a data table or graph before sharing their findings. After using a PhET simulation, students discuss or write about real-world applications of what they learned (how forces affect roller coasters, how molecules move in different states of matter) and present their findings using Visme, reviewed here or Google Slides, reviewed here.OER Project's The Silk Roads - OER Project's The Silk Roads
Grades
6 to 10In the Classroom
Students can watch the video, read the articles, and complete the stimulation activity. Students can video record themselves doing the stimulation activity, showing others how the Silk Roads goods and services traveled. Students can share their experiences and debate the value of the Silk Road to trade. Finally, students can compare the Silk Road to other ancient civilizations' trade.Virtual Science Teacher - Virtual Science Teachers
Grades
K to 12tag(s): charts and graphs (171), genetics (80), scientific method (48), simulations (19), STEM (297), water (102)
In the Classroom
Assign students the Virtual Heating Ice Lab when teaching states of matter or phase changes. Use the Punnett Square Squares Simulation to predict the traits of offspring by filling in Punnett squares to determine whether peas will be yellow or green, round or wrinkly. Use the Water Filtration Challenge during environmental science lessons focused on water conservation and management. Have students compare their virtual filter designs, then transition to a hands-on lab where they build a simple water filtration system. Introduce students to the scientific method by using the Design an Experiment tool. This activity encourages students to design and conduct experiments that test people's ability to complete tasks under different conditions.MultiSim Live Circuit Simulator - National Instruments
Grades
6 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): circuits (20), electricity (61), engineering (129), simulations (19), STEM (297)
In the Classroom
Organize a challenge where students must design a circuit that meets specific criteria, such as creating a basic amplifier or a light-activated switch. Have students research a real-world electronic device and identify its key circuits. Assign students to explore different electronic components available in Multisim, such as capacitors, inductors, and diodes. After designing and simulating a circuit in Multisim, students can collect data on its performance and represent their findings on graphs and charts on a resource such as Canva Infographic Creator reviewed here.OK2Ask: Engage & Inspire with Simulations - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12Learn how to integrate...more
Learn how to integrate learning simulations like Quandry and MissionUS into your classroom! During this engaging session, participants will learn to distinguish between simulations and learning games, explore the unique benefits of each, and discover strategies to inspire and engage students through interactive learning experiences. Whether you're new to educational simulations or looking to deepen your understanding, this free workshop offers valuable insights and practical techniques that will enhance student learning. As a result of this session, teachers will: 1. Differentiate simulations and learning games, noting their benefits. 2. Integrate simulations to meet learning objectives. 3. Reflect on ways simulations can enhance learning. This session is appropriate for teachers at all technology levels.
tag(s): professional development (385), simulations (19)
In the Classroom
The archive of this teacher-friendly, hands-on webinar will empower and inspire you to use learning technology in the classroom and for professional productivity. As appropriate, specific classroom examples and ideas have been shared. View the session with a few of your teaching colleagues to find and share new ideas. Find additional information and links to tools at the session resource page. Learn more about OK2Ask and upcoming sessions here.Humy - Humy.ai
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): american revolution (82), art history (102), artificial intelligence (177), authors (107), black history (133), chat (41), civil rights (209), civil war (139), DAT device agnostic tool (147), environment (252), great depression (30), greeks (46), presidents (135), religions (95), renaissance (38), space (222), Teacher Utilities (197), women (151), world war 1 (77), world war 2 (161)
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the free account provided by Humy to generate conversations on your interactive whiteboard with historical figures to introduce new lessons and units and engage students in upcoming activities. For example, before reading The Giver by Lois Lowry, select her name from the Humies to have a conversation to learn about her inspiration for writing the book and allow students to ask questions about her writing style and how she developed her storytelling skills. Use the chat conversations as a starting point for research projects on historical figures or periods. Ask students to share their projects by creating websites with Google Sites, reviewed here or by using Google My Maps, reviewed here to create an interactive story based on locations on the map.Scale City - The Road to Proportional Reasoning - Kentucky Educational Television
Grades
5 to 8tag(s): baseball (32), dinosaurs (43), geometric shapes (134), measurement (122), musical instruments (52), painting (54), time (91)
In the Classroom
Be sure to include this site on your class web page for students to access both in and outside of class for further practice. Have students create maps using Zeemaps, reviewed here, displaying information from roadside attractions found on Scale City. Zeemaps allows students to create audio recordings AND choose a location on a map where the attraction takes place.MIT Project Management Game - MIT Sloan School of Management
Grades
9 to 12tag(s): careers (156), gifted (66), Project Based Learning (23), STEM (297)
In the Classroom
Use this simulation as a project-based learning activity to teach students about management careers, software development, and similar careers. Have students create individual projects or groups to work on a single project. Extend learning by asking students to generate progress reports throughout the process, including screenshots of their progress, reflections upon choices made, and possible changes to make within projects to increase success. Have students use Google Sites, reviewed here or another free website creation tool to share their journey throughout the project, which includes a final review document.SchoolAI - SchoolAI, Inc.
Grades
K to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (177), assessment (147), chat (41), churchill (8), darwin (13), Formative Assessment (74), leonardo davinci (3), lincoln (66), martin luther king (45), newton (21), shakespeare (99), Special Needs (53), Teacher Utilities (197), washington (28)
In the Classroom
Use SchoolAI to create and share engaging activities with all students and for all subjects. For example, differentiate text easily to fit the abilities of all students, generate a list of engaging activities for any topic, or quickly create a worksheet or multiple choice quiz as a formative assessment. As students engage in chats with historical figures or choose your own adventure activities, ask them to use the information learned as a starting point for additional research. Use Symbaloo, reviewed here or another curation tool to collect and share additional resources with students, such as videos, online articles, and book suggestions. As a final extended learning activity, ask students to share their learning using Sway, reviewed here, Genially, reviewed here, or Adobe Creative Cloud Express, reviewed here to create multimedia presentations. This tool would also be great to share with gifted students. As always, use best practices when sharing AI tools with students.iThrive Sim- Digital Simulation Games - ithrive games
Grades
9 to 12tag(s): collaboration (93), flipped learning (9), game based learning (205), Online Learning (36), simulations (19), social and emotional learning (102)
In the Classroom
Teachers can find links to individual games, downloadable curricula for various video games, lesson plans, and teaching resources. These game simulations are designed to build skills in decision-making, understanding bias, compromise, advocacy, and collaboration among students. The games support face-to-face interaction and can also be adapted to the needs of online and hybrid learning environments.Geo-fs Flight Simulator - GeoFS
Grades
6 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): aviation (40), virtual field trips (128)
In the Classroom
There are various uses for this flight simulator, from a simple flight for exploring the land below to learning more advanced aviation skills. Your students can experience different parts of the world using the Geo-fs flight simulator. Use this site to learn the geography of a region or study various landscapes. Teachers can create a virtual field or lit trips by making a flight plan for their students to follow. Create a challenge or virtual race for your students to complete; the possibilities are endless!Economic Games - Nicolas Gruyer and Nicolas Toublanc
Grades
8 to 12tag(s): business (52), financial literacy (93), game based learning (205), simulations (19), stock market (11)
In the Classroom
Include games from this site as part of economics and financial literacy lessons. This site is perfect for use with gifted students for independent study with peers. After completing games, ask students to use a digital storytelling tool like Book Creator, reviewed here, to explain complex financial concepts in an easy to understand manner.LOOPY - Nick Case
Grades
9 to 12In the Classroom
Share LOOPY with students then have them explore the features included on the shared models. LOOPY would work well in classes with gifted students as an exploration project of different cause and effect relationship influences. Use the embed code to share student examples and explanations on your class website.My Physics Lab - Erik Neumann
Grades
8 to 12In the Classroom
Since My Physics Lab requires Java software to run the interactives, be sure it's installed on your classroom computers before students try to use it. Introduce activities on an interactive whiteboard to explore physics concepts together. Allow students to investigate the site on their own, then have students create a simple infographic sharing their findings using Infogram, reviewed here.The Stock Market Game - Securities Industry and Financial Markets Assoc Foundation
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): business (52), DAT device agnostic tool (147), game based learning (205), investing (8), money (113), stock market (11)
In the Classroom
Participants who register as "Teachers with Classes" receive extensive teacher support, including a searchable library of standards, curriculum materials, and assessments. While providing real-world practice, SMG engages students in the core academic subjects, such as math, English, and economics. Lesson plans include Teacher Background and materials to implement the lesson with students. Find more information by perusing additional publications, links, and other resources. Contact a local SMG Coordinator for additional assistance. Use the game in individual classes, school-wide, in after school clubs, or with home-schoolers. Encourage families to play at home together or collaborate with others. Additional benefits include higher math and financial literacy scores on tests by students who play SMG. Also, teachers report that the program even taught them about financial planning, research, and investing wisely. Because this is ongoing activity, enhance learning with the use of technology throughout. Have students share financial resource sites using a bookmarking tool like Papaly, reviewed here. In addition to curating and sharing bookmarks, Papaly allows you the opportunity to add notes and comments to sites shared. Have students use a video creation tool like Powtoon, reviewed here, to make explainer videos of financial concepts. Ask groups of students to produce and share podcasts (perhaps weekly or bi-weekly) to discuss their learning and progress within the Stock Market Game. Buzzsprout, reviewed here, is a free tool for creating and sharing podcasts.Interactives & Simulations: Weather, Climate & Atmosphere Education - UCAR Center for Science Education
Grades
5 to 12tag(s): arctic (40), atmosphere (22), carbon dioxide (9), climate (84), climate change (99), hurricanes (32), solar energy (34), sun (71), trees (18)